Were you discouraged from the arts while growing up?

Question

I think growing up I received alot of negative WASP programming that the arts in general were a waste of time. I can't count the number of times that someone mentioned a person who say was going to school for arts or humanities or something, and the first response that an adult would make would be "Good luck trying to get a job in that when they are done...."

I heard it so much, that I think I started to believe it. But now, I'm completely the opposite. I admire people that create things, those people who have reached a "higher" level of awareness than the working person.

Were you pushed away from the arts or music in favour of more blue collar occupations?

Answer 1

Nope, my parents encouraged anything I had an interest in. As a result, I'm very confident about my skills in learning a new handicraft, art or musical instrument.

They encouraged my sister in the areas she excelled, which was more along the lines of active and social endeavors.

I think my parents' support of my passion saved my life when I was in high school. I was pretty ill and people teased me all the time. I was alienated and alone. I found solace in my art classes because I could put on my headphones and immerse myself in my work. I also played piano and guitar through the rough times. If not for art and music, I think there is a good probability I would have killed myself.

But I'm not suicidal now :o) Thankfully :o)

Answer 2

Nope, I never was. I was encouraged by everyone I came in contact with. However, since those days, my life has changed I am now back in school studying history instead. I have been encourged by a lot of people with this major too. Some do ask if I will be teaching history, which is a stupid question, because people do not realize that a degree in history can get a person a good job too. I think the problem people have with the arts and music (even history) is the fact people are hung up on money. They do not believe a person can make money with a degree in those majors in Arts and Humanities.

Answer 3

My parents took me to art museums from the time I was very small and bought me loads of art supplies and I did take piano lessons, which I loved, but I didn't take any dance classes until I was older; I wasn't very good but it was fun. My father also drew these great cartoons, though not as a profession, and worked at a newspaper so I met professional illustrators (for ads and cartoonists). So growing up, I was saturated in art and loved it. I majored in art in college. By that time, the art was gearing towards Neo-realism, which is technically good, but has no feeling to it. I was more interested in cartooning and animation which was at an all time low. I applied to a lot of places as an artist/illustrator, and have done some cartooning, book illustrations, photography, and greeting card designs. Being a profession artist is very expensive and it's good to have other marketable skills. I always wanted to learn mechanics, contracting, or plumbing. Unfortunately back then, women weren't accepted into the training. Anyway, I encourage everyone who is interested in the arts. There are so many styles of art and I do believe anyone can draw, paint, or take photographs, so go for it and have fun.

Answer 4

When I was a child and showed an interest in any studies, my parents tried to encourage me (in that interest) since I wasn't very academically inclined and my marks in traditional classes like the mathematics and sciences were very poor. I think that telling a child that the humanities and the arts are a waste of time is very stupid. Art is used in so many fields today as are the humanities. There are jobs specifically designed for both these things, too, such as home decorating, catering, teaching, and advertising, and without the arts and humanities, our homes and our lives would be very boring.

Answer 5

Yes. I still remember the day I left for college at Valpo. My father suddenly asked what I was planning to major in. I said History as if everyone in my family knew that.

That's when I learned that it would not be history since good ol dad was paying for it and wouldn't waste money on such a useless major. So into International Econ I went. And of course just changed it to Poli-Sci and History after 1st semester there.

And guess what, I spent a year working for the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis making chump change and realized if I wanted a family, a car, a house, etc, well then I needed to do something else.

So here I am in International Supply Chain....that's right using international econ...what a bummer...

Answer 6

My parents dont really care, My sister is now going to art school to become either a elementary school art teacher or if she can manage a professional artist. My parents always payed for dance classes, art classes, and my brother made a couple records with a band as a drummer until their band broke up and they really encouraged that. I am a serious horseback rider which is something of an art and they support that too. So I would say that no they really encourage the arts and appriciate them.

Answer 7

Yes and no - my interest is Fine Arts - eg. Drawing, painting, photography, etc.
My parents were usually supportive, but had their days where they didn't think it was a good career to get into, and sometimes my mum just discouraged the freedom for me to do it where and when I pleased - like not letting me draw in the living room.

However they supported me getting my Diploma of Fine Arts, because they believed I am very talented.
Although my Grandmother always used to say that I should study computers as a backup option...

In the end, I got my Diploma, so that's what counts.

Answer 8

I am from a divorced Indian family, with my mother a dancer and my father an engineer. I have been supported by both parents, but also frequently cautioned. The arts are fabulous, but building your entire life on them can be hard. However, my Indian background causes many in the community (and my grandparents), to believe that there are three choices in life: being a lawyer, being a doctor or being an engineer. Unfortunately, I find myself always defending the arts.

Answer 9

Oh yes. When I was a teenager I wanted so much to be an actor and go on stage. But I was told to get a "real" job. Later on in my twenties I did take stagecraft and voice training.During my thirties through to my present day;I have done a lot of musicals, and plays, and taken a number of leading parts. I've now retired from stage work, but still go out singing every week.I'm 71 now and still lucky to have a good voice. If you can follow your dream.It's hard work, but very rewarding.Good Luck!

Answer 10

I wasn't, but at the time I grew up and in the family I grew up in, women didn't really have careers. I was always drawn to the arts and writing and have since become and artist and writer, but I have to say I felt the opposite ... no pressure at all to really do anything with my life other than get married and raise a family.